Farm balance sheets in the region look better than expected to end 2020 in large part due to ad hoc government payments. Tim Koch Senior Vice President with Farm Credit Services of America says ag lenders were fearful of a dismal economic year for farmers to start 2020 with low commodity prices as a result of the pandemic. However, as they review close outs for 2020 they’ve been pleasantly surprised.

He says higher grain prices have been important but without the COVID Aid many farmers, especially livestock producers, would not have survived.

However, Koch says the public and lawmakers don’t have the appetite for additional government assistance for agriculture in 2021.

Government assistance over the last three years including COVID Aid, the Market Facilitation Program and WHIP Plus has totaled nearly $52 billion.